Beyond Labels, Toward Service

Last month, I did an interview with the Buckeye Flame, an Ohio-based outlet that covers LGBTQ issues across the state. I didn’t seek out the interview. A co-worker forwarded them the news of my election shortly after the results were finalized in early November. I waited until early December to respond, figuring a little distance from the election felt appropriate.

Westwoods Park in Russell Township on a fall day.

I spent about 30 minutes over my lunch break talking with the reporter, sent along a few photos, and that was that. The story ran, I thought it was well done, and I moved on.

Later that week, a friend and elected official in Illinois called to tell me she’d seen the article popping up in her social media feeds. I still didn’t think much of it until Christmas Day, when I received an email from someone I deeply respect as a leader in the fight for LGBTQ and transgender inclusion.

Over the holiday break, I finally looked up the story’s reach. I was genuinely surprised by how many outlets had picked it up and how widely it had been shared. Then today, of all places, someone at the gym congratulated me out of the blue on my election win and swearing-in.

On the drive home, it clicked. This story keeps circulating because people are tired. Tired of the hate, the fear-mongering, and the constant targeting of the LGBTQ community.

And yes, some of the comments about what’s “in between my legs” still crack me up. For people who insist they don’t want everything to be about “identity politics,” there seems to be an unusual amount of curiosity about what’s in my pants. Make it make sense.

That said, my election isn’t about me. It is about running a strong, respectful campaign, and the results speak for themselves. More importantly, it’s about unity and working alongside people who don’t share the same views on every issue.

In Russell Township, we elected candidates who, on paper, appear to be polar opposites. Different ages, political affiliations, and lived experiences. We both won. We get along. And I genuinely look forward to working with him over the next few years.

To the residents of Russell, whom I’ve sworn to serve, my focus is on you. My job is to show up, do the work, and make decisions that are in the best interest of our township, period.

That work has already begun. In December, I met with department heads, the Fiscal Officer, and the Trustee Administrator to listen, learn, and better understand what’s working and what needs attention. With a background in business and as a mental health therapist, I lead with listening first. Then I combine that perspective with practical problem-solving and a growing understanding of township operations to make thoughtful, responsible decisions.

That’s the job. And I’m ready to do it.